Banff Travel Guide

The Canadian Rockies are a majestic, mountain landscape, full of peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, canyons and caves stretching from the Montana border up to the Liard River in British Columbia. Five national parks are located in the Canadian Rockies, including Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes, as well as numerous other provincial parks. For many, the Canadian Rockies are the iconic symbol of wild spaces, and they are deservedly famous for their beauty. Although the Rockies are not the tallest mountain range in Canada, many people mistake them for it, as their sheer ruggedness can feel overwhelming when you're up close.

Dating back to 1885, Banff National Park was Canada's first national park and only the second national park in the world. In the 1888, the Canadian Pacific Railway built the Banff Springs Hotel to encourage tourism to Western Canada. Now, it is a world-famous icon, visited by almost 5 million tourists per year. CPR also built Chateau Lake Louise on... show full NileGuide review
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All about Banff
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Stay safe hiking the mountains Stay safe hiking the mountains

Mystic Pass trail. Photo by Ingolfson, Creative Commons It’s the final glory days on the trails in Banff when the trails are their driest and the temperatures are still moderate. September to October offer some of the most pleasant days for hiking. Still, mountain weather is unpredictable at best so you should prepare before you head out. Here are some tips for staying safe in the mountains: The higher you go, the more there is a chance of catching some... Read More

Where to grab a pint in Banff Where to grab a pint in Banff

Photo courtesy of The Rose & Crown Nothing beats having a brew against the backdrop of the magnificent Rocky Mountains. Local breweries have created some outstanding ale made with the pure glacial water of the region. Check out some of our favorite watering holes for beer. Opened in 1985, The Rose & Crown is Banff’s oldest pub with a wide selection of local and international beers. Saddled up to the 40-foot long cherry wood bar to enjoy the 10... Read More

Staying safe in bear country Staying safe in bear country

Photo courtesy of US Fish & Wildlife Service Hiking in Banff is a must-do activity since there is no better way to experience the incredible mountain views. However, the Rocky Mountains are home to both grizzly and black bears. Bears prefer their own company and will generally avoid people. However, encounters between bears and people do occur, particularly in mid-August when the bears in search of sweet berries to gorge on. Stay safe while on the... Read More

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  • Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola - Banff
    • Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola

    • Ride this safe, glass-enclosed gondola system to the top of Sulphur Mountain for unparalleled views of Banff and the Rocky Mountains. The eight-minute...
      • Attractions
      • Banff National Park
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  • Upper Hot Springs - Banff
    • Upper Hot Springs

    • These mountainside, steaming sulfur pools are a soothing tradition for locals and visitors as they soak away their skiing and hiking aches. Especially...
      • Attractions
      • Banff National Park
    user rating
  • Sunshine Village Ski Resort - Banff
    • Sunshine Village Ski Resort

    • Only 15 minutes from Banff, Sunshine is famous for its long ski season, which goes from November to late May! There is a 20 minute gondola ride...
      • Winter Sports
      • Banff National Park
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